TOMBOUCTOU (ML.06) 20.03.1953

Summary

On March 20, 1953, around 8:15 PM, two witnesses in Tombouctou (Mali) observed a fixed orange light near the horizon. The object moved slowly from northeast to southwest without a trail. As it moved away, it decreased in size and intensity until it completely disappeared. Only one testimony was collected, and an astronomical check found no celestial object in the indicated direction. Moreover, the object displayed apparent movement, ruling out a star or planet. The GEIPAN considered it could be a distant airplane with lights on, viewed head-on. However, due to the lack of information and corroboration, the case was classified as C.